Papers by OMANYO LAWRENCE
Baidoa, located in Somalia's arid Southwest State, faces recurrent water shortages heightened by ... more Baidoa, located in Somalia's arid Southwest State, faces recurrent water shortages heightened by climate variability, population growth, and limited infrastructure. This article explores the critical role of real-time groundwater surveillance systems in anticipating and mitigating water crises in such water-scarce regions. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, satellite remote sensing, and community-based data collection, real-time monitoring can provide early warnings of aquifer depletion, enabling timely interventions. The discussion highlights Baidoa's unique challenges-erratic rainfall, over-reliance on groundwater, and conflict-driven displacement-and underscores how proactive monitoring aligns with sustainable water management goals. The conclusion emphasizes scalable, cost-effective systems to ensure water security, offering a model for other arid regions.
In Baidoa, Somalia, women are pivotal in water collection and increasingly influential in water r... more In Baidoa, Somalia, women are pivotal in water collection and increasingly influential in water resource management, navigating the challenges of chronic water scarcity and socio-cultural constraints. This article explores women's critical roles as primary water collectors and their emerging contributions to decision-making processes within community-based water governance structures. Drawing on qualitative insights and regional studies, it highlights how women's traditional knowledge and agency are reshaping equitable and sustainable water management in Baidoa. Despite obstacles like gender norms and limited formal representation, women's participation in water user committees and local initiatives fosters resilience and challenges patriarchal structures. The findings underscore the need for gender-inclusive policies to amplify women's voices, ensuring sustainable water access and community development in fragile contexts.
Cholera remains a significant public health threat in informal settlements, where inadequate sani... more Cholera remains a significant public health threat in informal settlements, where inadequate sanitation and poor water quality create ideal conditions for waterborne diseases. This study examines the link between deficient sanitation infrastructure and cholera outbreaks in Baidoa, Somalia, a city with rapidly growing informal settlements due to displacement and urbanization. Reviewing existing literature and field observations, we identify key risk factors, including open defecation, contaminated water sources, and limited access to sanitation facilities. These conditions amplify cholera transmission, particularly during rainy seasons when flooding spreads pathogens. Interventions such as community-led sanitation programs and water treatment systems show promise but face challenges like resource scarcity and governance issues. We conclude that integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) strategies and community engagement are essential to mitigate cholera risks. This study underscores the urgency of addressing sanitation deficits to protect vulnerable populations in Baidoa and similar contexts.
The Role of Solar-Powered Boreholes in Sustainable Water Access for Baidoa’s IDP Camps, 2025
Baidoa, Somalia, hosts one of the largest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in t... more Baidoa, Somalia, hosts one of the largest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Horn of Africa, driven by conflict, drought, and economic hardship. Access to reliable water in IDP camps has long been a critical challenge, exacerbated by erratic rainfall and overstretched infrastructure. This paper examines the transformative role of solar-powered boreholes in enhancing the water supply reliability for Baidoa's displacement camps. By harnessing renewable energy, these systems provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution to meet the water needs of vulnerable populations. Drawing on recent projects, such as those implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this study highlights the operational benefits, socioeconomic impacts, and challenges of solarpowered water systems. Findings suggest that integrating solar technology into water infrastructure improves access and fosters resilience against climate variability, offering a scalable model for humanitarian settings.
Uganda has embraced decentralization as a strategy to improve service delivery and promote partic... more Uganda has embraced decentralization as a strategy to improve service delivery and promote participatory governance. In the water sector, district-level Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) planning has become a critical tool for achieving equitable and sustainable water access. However, gaps in coordination, capacity, and financing continue to undermine the effectiveness of decentralized governance. This paper examines Uganda's WASH planning frameworks at the district level, identifies systemic challenges, and proposes policy and institutional reforms to improve governance, accountability, and community engagement in the water sector.
Integrating Climate Resilience into Rural Water Infrastructure in Uganda, 2025
Uganda's rural water infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related shocks such as ... more Uganda's rural water infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related shocks such as prolonged droughts, intense flooding, and water source degradation. This paper explores the integration of climate resilience into Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, drawing on field experiences from fragile and crisis-affected regions, including Northern Uganda and Karamoja. It examines how infrastructure design, water source management, and community engagement can be reimagined to address current and future climate risks. Recommendations are proposed for policy, financing, and programmatic adaptations that strengthen rural water resilience.
Water scarcity and poor management of water resources remain significant challenges in rural Keny... more Water scarcity and poor management of water resources remain significant challenges in rural Kenya. Community-based water management (CBWM) has emerged as an effective approach to ensuring equitable access to clean water while fostering local ownership and sustainability. This study examines CBWM in Holo Village, highlighting its impact on water accessibility, governance structures, and sustainability. It evaluates successes and challenges while offering recommendations to strengthen such initiatives in similar rural settings. The findings are supported by data from government reports, research studies, and international water management frameworks.
Public Health Through Water: A Rural Perspective, 2025
Access to clean and reliable water is essential for public health, yet many rural communities in ... more Access to clean and reliable water is essential for public health, yet many rural communities in Uganda face significant challenges related to water quality and availability. This study evaluates the impact of water management programs in rural Uganda, specifically focusing on their effects on public health, sanitation, and community well-being. By examining a combination of government and NGO-led initiatives, the study identifies key successes and ongoing challenges, proposing actionable strategies for enhancing the health outcomes of rural water programs. The findings are based on health surveys, field observations, and data from local water authorities and health organizations.
International Journal of Water Resources Development, 2025
Water quality remains a pressing issue in many rural Ugandan communities, where limited infrastru... more Water quality remains a pressing issue in many rural Ugandan communities, where limited infrastructure and pollution threaten public health. This study assesses water quality in selected rural regions, analyzing contamination sources, health implications, and potential interventions. Using data from government agencies, environmental organizations, and case studies, the paper proposes sustainable strategies for improving water safety, including community-led monitoring, improved sanitation, and policy interventions.
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Papers by OMANYO LAWRENCE